Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Hamstring Graft and Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft in Arthroscopic ACL...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Graft selection is crucial for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) outcomes.
• The peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft is a potential alternative to hamstring tendon (HT) autografts.
• Clinical data on PLT autograft's impact on return to sports is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical relevance of PLT autograft versus HT autograft in ACLR.
• To evaluate return to sports, functional scores, and donor-site morbidity.
• To assess graft diameter and harvesting time for both autograft types.

Main Methods:

• 120 patients with isolated ACL injury underwent ACLR using PLT or HT autografts.
• Functional outcomes were assessed using IKDC and Tegner-Lysholm scores preoperatively and up to 24 months post-operatively.
• Graft characteristics, harvesting time, and donor-site morbidity were recorded.

Main Results:

• PLT autografts were larger and harvested faster than HT autografts (P < 0.001).
• Patients receiving PLT grafts returned to sports 36 days earlier (P < 0.001) and reported better outcomes.
• PLT group showed lower donor-site morbidity and superior IKDC/Tegner-Lysholm scores at 24 months.

Conclusions:

• Both PLT and HT autografts provide acceptable knee stability post-ACLR.
• PLT autografts demonstrate superior subjective functional outcomes and faster return to sport.
• Further research is recommended to optimize graft selection for individual patients.